The double-header derby day has already become a much looked for fixture for fans in the Pro12 rugby calendar, after being launched in 2013 in front of a 36,000 strong crowd in the Cardiff capital.
And the back-to-back clashes – which are treated as home matches for Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons as they host the Ospreys and the Scarlets in alternate seasons – attracted similar interest from fans last season, with the WRU expressing its ambition to grow the event even more.
New terms for hosting the games at the Millennium Stadium must be agreed, because the previous arrangement expired with the old ‘Participation Agreement’ – the agreement between the WRU and Regional Rugby Wales which was ended in January.
But the WRU has already taken steps to ensure that Judgement Day III remains in the calendar for 2015, blocking off the relevant weekend in the Millennium Stadium’s diary, and is confident that all parties will see the value in retaining this flagship event.
The Union also recently wrote to the Regions suggesting that the Millennium Stadium could stage the event in April and has asked for a meeting to progress plans.
“The WRU is looking forward to continuing the partnership with Cardiff Blues and the Newport Gwent Dragons which has produced two successful Judgement Day events at the Millennium Stadium,” said a WRU spokesperson.
“The Millennium Stadium has a date in its diary – the weekend of 24th April – for the event and has indicated to both parties its desire to meet and discuss terms for Judgment Day III.
“The terms for hosting Judgement Day were initially covered under the old participation agreement, which has now terminated, but the WRU is keen to meet and agree new terms as quickly as possible.”
